AP Multi-Link Signaling for Dynamic Affiliated AP Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Wi-Fi technologies face challenges in efficiently managing and controlling the addition and removal of affiliated Access Points (APs) in multi-link devices, which affects local throughput.

Innovation Solution

A communication method and network device that utilize a target radio frame carrying a basic multi-link information element with a target identifier bit to indicate changes in the maximum number of simultaneous links, allowing for the addition or removal of affiliated APs, thereby improving the management and control mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the AP MLD adds a new affiliated AP dynamically, then the adaptability and local throughput are improved, but the management complexity and control difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedynamic addition of affiliated APsVSAvoidmanagement and control mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a target identifier bit (a binary state change) to indicate modifications in the maximum number of simultaneous links field. This bit acts as a signal that changes state (0 to 1 or vice versa) to notify receiving devices that the link configuration has been modified, enabling dynamic adaptation without complex management protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the basic multi-link information element by changing the maximum number of simultaneous links field and setting a target identifier bit. This parameter change approach allows the AP MLD to dynamically adjust the number of affiliated APs by simply modifying field values in the information element, avoiding complex management procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multiple frequency bands are aggregated and collaborated, then the bandwidth and throughput are improved, but the management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebandwidth and throughputVSAvoidmanagement mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple frequency bands (2.4 GHz, 5.8 GHz, 6 GHz) into a unified multi-link operation managed by a single AP MLD. The basic multi-link information element consolidates link configuration data from multiple bands into one structure, with a single target identifier bit indicating changes across all links, simplifying the management of aggregated frequency bands

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The basic multi-link information element serves multiple functions: it manages multiple frequency bands, tracks changes in the number of simultaneous links, and provides a universal notification mechanism (target identifier bit) for all affiliated APs. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate management mechanisms for each frequency band

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250374084A1Communication method, network device, electronic device, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 BEIJING XIAOMI MOBILE SOFTWARE CO LTD

AI summary

A communication method is applied to an access point (AP) multi-link device (MLD), and includes: determining a target radio frame, wherein the target radio frame carries a basic multi-link (ML) information element, the basic ML information element includes a target identifier bit, and the target identifier bit indicates that a value of a maximum number of simultaneous links field of the basic ML information element changes; and sending the target radio frame.